Understanding Cancer
Cancer is a group of more than 100 different diseases, which can develop almost anywhere in the body.
It has been with us ... forever.
There is fossil evidence showing that cancer existed in prehistoric times and has affected humans and animals across the millennia. Although the origin of cancer remains wrapped in some mystery, we do know that:
Because cancer is linked to DNA cell mutations, it could only have emerged once multi-cellular organisms with DNA developed, roughly 600 million years ago.- Discoveries have identified benign bone tumors in dinosaur fossils, showing that cancer has plagued vertebrates for eons.
- Scientists have found evidence of osteosarcomas, a bone cancer, in relics of early human ancestors dating back about 1.7 million years.
- In Russia, traces of cancer were observed in a 4000-year-old human skeleton, which included signs of prostate cancer metastasis.
- One of the earliest historical accounts describing cancer was discovered on the Edwin Smith Papyrus from Ancient Egypt around 3000 B.C.; although other ancient references exist in texts from India, China, Greece, and elsewhere.
Malignant growths and cancerous tumors have affected living beings across the ages, from dinosaurs to present day humans. Cancer has likely plagued life forms as long as complex DNA-based organisms have existed on Earth.
How Cancer Begins
Cells are the basic units that make up the human body. They grow and divide to make new cells as the body needs them. Usually, when cells get too old or damaged, they are replaced by new cells.
Cancer begins when genetic changes interfere with this normally orderly process and cells start to grow uncontrollably. These cells may form a cancerous or benign mass, known asa tumor. A cancerous tumor is malignant, meaning it can grow and spread to other parts of the body. A benign tumor can grow but will not spread.
Some types of cancer do not form a tumor, which include leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.
Types of Cancer
Doctors divide cancer into types based on the origin. The four main types of cancer are:
Carcinomas
They begin in skin or tissues that cover the surface of internal organs and glands. As the most common type of cancer, they usually form solid tumors. Types of carcinomas include prostate, breast, lung, and colorectal cancer.
Sarcomas
They develop in the tissues that support and connect the body, such as fat, muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, blood vessels, lymph vessels, cartilage, and bone.
Leukemias
They are a cancer of the blood, which begin when healthy blood cells change and grow uncontrollably. The main types of leukemia are acute lymphocytic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, and chronic myeloid leukemia.
Lymphomas
They begins in the lymphatic system, which is a network of vessels and glands that help fight infection. The two main types of lymphomas are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
How Cancer Spreads
As a cancerous tumor grows, the bloodstream or lymphatic system may carry cancer cells to other parts of the body. This may cause the cancer cells to grow and grown into new tumors, known as metastasis.
One of the first places cancer often spreads is the lymph nodes. These are tiny, bean-shaped organs that help fight infection, in clusters in various parts of the body, such as the neck, groin area, and under the arms.
Cancer may spread through the bloodstream to distant parts of the body, including bones, liver, lungs, or brain.
Diagnosing cancer
Often, a diagnosis begins when a person notices "that ‘something doesn’t feel quite right,” visits a doctor about an unusual symptom, and finds the cancer through subsequent testing. Many people with cancer, however, have no symptoms. Typically, their cancer is diagnosed during a medical test for another issue or condition.
Cancer may be discovered after a screening test in an otherwise healthy person. Screening tests include colonoscopy, mammography, and Pap tests.
For most cancers, a biopsy is the only way to make a definite diagnosis. This involves the removal of a small amount of tissue for further study.
Our Mission
We are a multidisciplinary team of surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, reconstructive surgeons, and clinical trial investigators. Together, we deliver cutting-edge, safe, well-coordinated, and supportive care to people with cancer and their families.
We strive to provide access to cutting-edge clinical trials in cancer care. This means providing access to innovative therapies in the community where you live. We feel strongly that state-of-the-art medicine should be easily assessable beyond academic centers.
We always maintain an individualized touch, and we will never treat you as just another patient.
What We Do
Our clinical practice encompasses various tumor types including,but not limited to:
Breast
Bladder
Lung
Colorectal
Gastric
Kidney
Livers
Esophageal
Pancreatic
Prostate
Testicular
Head and Neck
Genitourinary
Gynecological Malignancies
Houston's Leading Cancer Research Expert
Our patients gain access to trial treatments sponsored by leading medical institutions in Houston and throughout the nation. Our team works hard to connect you with the best possible trial while providing comprehensive care during your treatment.
We identify the best treatments available in oncology with evidence-based alternative treatments for symptom control. In addition, we have in-depth training in Geriatrics, which allow us to offer tailored cancer care to elderly patients. This frequently means balancing the benefit of chemotherapy while minimizing side effects in older, vulnerable patients.
The Expertise You Need, The Compassion You Deserve
With years of experience working in cancer research and treatment, our team brings extensive knowledge and expertise to every patient. Our passion for helping patients find the right clinical trial while providing the care they need is unparalleled.
Our team is dedicated to making sure you have access to the best possible cancer treatment options.
Start Your Journey to Healing Today
If you or someone you love is struggling with cancer, contact our, Houston office to learn more about the clinical trials that could help. Our team is committed to giving you access to the best possible care and providing personalized support throughout your journey.
Whether you need a second opinion about a diagnosis, or want to learn how to participate in a cancer prevention or clinical trial, our experienced team is here for you.